There was an enthusiastic crowd of 310 guests at the Long Beach Cancer League's 45th Annual Gala on June 4. Held at the Museum of Latin American Art, the beautiful event was enhanced by a tour of the museum art, then it was cocktails in the ballroom followed by dinner, wine and the program held at sunset in the sculpture garden.

The event featured "stars" who are people who have a cancer story that is shared with the audience. Honored this year were: Cindy Gillis, Cynthia Howard, Rena and Todd Johnson (who also won the live prize raffle), Cathy Kopy, Laura Lummer-Sigmon, Melva Miller, Carmen Perez, Jeannette and Louis Rampino, Darick Simpson and Jack Witherspoon. Past Stars were also acknowledged. Overall, the event raised more than $250,000 to support the work of the American Cancer Society, which is dedicated to eliminating cancer and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

Seen at the scene: Long Beach Cancer League President Tammy Newland-Shishido and Ken Shishido, Gala Co-Chair Patty and Gary Gadd, Sheryl and Jeff Stewart, Loren and Greg Miner, Sofia Riley, Patti Brown, Georgianna and Allan Kolsky, Jan and Jerry Maize, Julie Kinsbursky, Lissette Flores, Judy McNulty Black and Don Black. (Chair Jennifer Peterson was there in spirit only because of COVID-19.)

Long Beach Cancer League 2022 Event

Stars featured at the Long Beach Cancer League gala, (L-R) Louis and Jeannette Rampino, Todd and Rena Johnson, Jack Witherspoon, Melva Miller, Cindy Gillis, Cynthia Howard, Carmen Perez, Laura Lummer-Sigmon, Cathy Kopy, Darick Simpson.

(Photo by Shirley Wild, Press-Telegram/SCNG) By Shirley Wild | spwild@verizon.net | Press-Telegram PUBLISHED: June 26, 2022 at 6:00 a.m.